House Passes Remote Sensing Applications Act

H.R. 2426, The Remote Sensing Applications Act, was approved by voice vote in the House of Representatives last night. This bill establishes a grant program to help integrate remote sensing data to address state, local and regional needs. 

The U.S. already collects an abundant amount of remote sensing data, but it is often used only for scientific ventures.  However, it can have countless local applications including helping in urban planning, coastal zone management, resource supervision and disaster monitoring for state and local authorities.

Bill sponsor Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO) said, “By giving state and local governments and communities greater access to geospatial data from commercial sources and federal agencies such as NASA, I believe that the federal government can help bring valuable – and powerful – informational planning resources to the table.

Related links